Wearable article comprising a sensor device

ABSTRACT

A wearable article incorporates a sensor device (10) which comprises a sensor module (101) and an input-output interface (105) arranged to send and receive data over a bidirectional line (11). A buffer (103) is arranged to store time-series sensor data. A programmable and erasable non-volatile memory (109) receives and stores an identifier for the sensor device (10). The sensor module (101) generates an inference using the sensor data. The sensor device (10) is arranged to switch between sending, over the bidirectional line (11), data sensed by the sensor module (101) and the generated inference. The sensor device (10) is a single-wire sensor device. The input-output interface (105) is a single-wire input-output interface. The sensor module (101) is a motion, electropotential, electroimpedance, chemical, or optical sensor module. The sensor device (10) is provided in a system comprising a master device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Applicationnumber 1917332.7 filed on 28 Nov. 2019, the whole contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed towards a sensor device, wearablearticle, system and method.

Sensor devices can communicate with one or more master devices over aserial protocol. Example serial protocols include Serial PeripheralInterface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Controller Area Network(CAN), and Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232). In these and other exampleprotocols, many sensor devices may be connected to the master deviceover one or more shared communication lines. Beneficially, this reducesthe number of physical communication lines which can reduce the cost andcomplexity of the resultant sensor system. This is particularlyadvantageous for wearable articles such as garments as having manycommunication lines can reduce the comfort and physical appearance ofthe wearable article.

One problem with shared communication lines is that each sensor deviceonly has a limited time access to the communication lines for sendingdata to the master device. This means that data communicated to themaster device may have a lower sampling rate than the available samplingrate of the sensor device.

Another problem with shared communication lines is that each sensordevice may have a unique, unalterable, factory-programmed identifier.This increases the burden on the master device as the master device hasto obtain these identifiers prior to performing communication with thesensor devices and increases the risk of error due to the use of anincorrect identifier.

Yet another problem is that even if the sensor device uses a sharedcommunication line, the sensor devices may still require separate powerlines to ensure a consistent power supply. This increases the number ofphysical conductors required which is a problem for wearable articles.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure there is provided a sensor device,wearable article, system and method as set forth in the appended claims.Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependentclaims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda sensor device. The sensor device comprises a sensor module. The sensordevice comprises a buffer arranged to store time-series sensor datasensed by the sensor module. The sensor device comprises an input-outputinterface arranged to send and receive data over a bidirectional line.

The sensor device is therefore arranged to store time series sensor datain a buffer. This allows the sensor device to temporarily store dataprior to transmission over the input-output interface. This isbeneficial as the sensor device is generally only able to transmit dataover the bidirectional line for a limited period of time. This isbecause the sensor device is unable to transmit data over thebidirectional line when other devices such as other sensor devices or amaster device are utilising the bidirectional line bus for datatransmission. The buffer therefore enables the sensor device to locallystore time-series sensor data until a command is received from a masterdevice for transmitting data over the input-output interface.

The time series sensor data stored in the buffer may comprise 2 or moresamples of sensor data, 5 or more samples of sensor data, 10 or moresamples of sensor data, 50 or more samples of sensor data, 100 or moresamples of sensor data, 500 or more samples of sensor data, or 1000 ormore samples of sensor data. The buffer may be arranged to store up toor more than 10 minutes of data sensed by the sensor module, up to ormore than 30 minutes of data sensed by the sensor module, up to or morethan 1 hour of data sensed by the sensor module, up to or more than 6hours of data sensed by the sensor module, up to or more than 12 hoursof data sensed by the sensor module, up to or more than 24 hours of datasensed by the sensor module, up to or more than 1 week of data sensed bythe sensor module, or up to or more than 1 month of data sensed by thesensor module. The buffer may have a storage capacity of at least 500bytes, at least one 1 kilobyte, at least 5 kilobytes, at least 50kilobytes, at least 500 kilobytes, at least 1 megabyte, at least 5megabytes, at least 50 megabytes, at least 60 megabytes, at least 100megabytes, at least 200 megabytes, or at least 250 megabytes. It will beappreciated that there is no required upper limit to the storagecapacity of the buffer particularly considering the continualdevelopment in memory devices. At the time of writing, it may bedesirable that the buffer does not have a storage capacity of more 8gigabytes due to physical size considerations when integrating thesensor device in a wearable article such as a garment. However, it willbe appreciated that as the physical size of storage devices decreasesbuffers with larger storage capacities may be able to be integrated intothe wearable article.

The input-output interface may be arranged to send the time-seriessensor data over the bidirectional line. The input-output interface maybe arranged to send the data in response to receiving a request for datafrom a master device over the bidirectional line. Advantageously, thisapproach enables a master device to request and read data from thebuffer of the sensor device.

The input-output interface may be a single-wire input-output interface.The bidirectional line may be a single-wire bidirectional line. The useof a single-wire protocol means that only one-wire is used to send andreceive data over the sensor device. Beneficially, this is the minimumpossible number of conductive lines that may be provided. This reducesthe number of physical hardware connections required for datatransmission to/from the sensor device and is particularly beneficialfor wearable article implementations. It is appreciated that even with asingle-wire protocol, a separate ground line may still be provided. Thepresent disclosure is not limited to single-wire input-output interfacesand single-wire bidirectional lines although particular advantages areachieved in these examples. Two-wire bidirectional lines, three-wirebidirectional lines or four or more wire bidirectional lines may also beused in some examples. The bidirectional lines may use any existingserial protocol such as Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI),Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Controller Area Network (CAN),Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), and 1-wire

The sensor device may be arranged to receive power via the input-outputinterface. Advantageously, this enables the sensor device to be poweredwithout requiring separate power lines. The bidirectional line maytherefore be used for both communication and power. The sensor devicemay further comprise a power source arranged to supply power to thesensor device. Beneficially, the power source helps ensure that aconsistent power supply is provided for the sensor device withoutrequiring separate power lines. The sensor device may be arranged toreceive power over the input-output interface and store the power in thepower source. This enables sensor devices to be consistently poweredeven when the bidirectional line is shared by many devices whichgenerally means that the sensor device only has a limited time window toreceive power over the bidirectional line. The power source may comprisea capacitor. The capacitor may be a supercapacitor. The power source maycomprise a rechargeable battery.

The sensor device may further comprise a non-volatile memory arranged tostore an identifier for the sensor device. The non-volatile memory maybe a read-only memory. The memory may be a programmable non-volatilememory such as a programmable read-only memory (PROM). The memory may beis an erasable and reprogrammable non-volatile memory such as anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or a floating-gatememory such as flash memory. The input-output interface may be arrangedto receive an identifier over the bidirectional line and write theidentifier to the erasable and programmable memory. Advantageously, theprogrammable and erasable non-volatile memory allows for the identifiersto be changed or adapted by a master device coupled to the sensor deviceas desired. In this way, the burden on the master device and the risk oferror is reduced.

The input-output interface may be arranged to receive an identifier overthe bidirectional line. The sensor device may be arranged to compare thereceived identifier to an identifier stored in the non-volatile memory.

The sensor module may comprise a processor and a memory. The memory maystore instructions. The instructions when executed by the processor maycause the processor to perform operations, the operations comprisinggenerating a compressed representation of data sensed by the sensormodule. The compressed representation may comprise an inferencegenerated from data sensed by the sensor module. The processor maygenerate the inference by employing a machine-learned model stored onthe memory of the sensor module.

The input-output interface may be arranged to send the compressedrepresentation of the data sensed by the sensor module over thebidirectional line. Advantageously, the sensor device may be arranged totransmit the compressed representation of the data over thebidirectional line for real-time or near-real time applications, whilestill storing the sensor data in the buffer for later transmission andanalysis.

The sensor device may be arranged to switch between sending, over thebidirectional line via the input-output interface, the time series datasensed by the sensor module and the compressed representation of datasensed by the sensor module. The sensor device may be arranged to switchin response to a command received from the master device over thebidirectional line. This enables the sensor device to change the type ofdata being output by the sensor device based on factors such as whetherreal-time data is required by the master device. Real-time, lowresolution, data may be required for real-time data visualisationapplications, while the time series data sensed by the sensor module maybe required for offline analysis such as for use in trainingmachine-learned models.

The sensor module may comprise one or more of a temperature sensormodule, a humidity sensor module, a motion sensor module, anelectropotential sensor module, an electroimpedance sensor module, anoptical sensor module, an acoustic sensor module. The temperature sensormodule may be arranged to measure an ambient temperature, a skintemperature of a human or animal body, or a core temperature of a humanor animal body. The humidity sensor module may be arranged to measurehumidity or skin-surface moisture levels for a human or animal body. Themotion sensor module may comprise one or more of an accelerometer, agyroscope, and a magnetometer sensor module. The motion sensor modulemay comprise an inertial measurement unit. The electropotential sensormodule may be arranged to perform one or more bioelectricalmeasurements. The electropotential sensor module may comprise one ormore of electrocardiography (ECG) sensor modules, electrogastrography(EGG) sensor modules, electroencephalography (EEG) sensor modules, andelectromyography (EMG) sensor modules. The electroimpedance sensormodule may be arranged to perform one or more bioimpedance measurements.Bioimpedance sensor modules can include one or more of plethysmographysensor modules (e.g., for respiration), body composition sensor modules(e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT)sensor modules. An optical sensor module may comprise aphotoplethysmography (PPG) sensor module or an orthopantomogram (OPG)sensor module. The sensor module comprises one or more biosensor (e.g.biosignal sensing) modules.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a method. The method comprises providing a sensor devicecomprising a sensor module, a buffer, and an input-output interface. Themethod comprises controlling the buffer to store time-series sensor datasensed by the sensor module in the buffer. The method comprisescontrolling the input-output interface to send and receive data over abidirectional line. The method may further comprise controlling theinput-output interface to send the time-series sensor data over thebidirectional line.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda single-wire sensor device. The sensor device comprises a sensormodule. The sensor device comprises a programmable and erasablenon-volatile memory. The sensor device comprises a single-wireinput-output interface arranged to send and receive data over asingle-wire bidirectional line. The single-wire input-output interfacemay be arranged to receive an identifier over the single-wirebidirectional line and write the identifier to the programmable anderasable non-volatile memory.

Advantageously, the sensor device uses a single-wire bidirectional linefor communicating data. This is the minimum possible number ofcommunication lines and thus minimizes the number of physical conductorsrequired which is particularly beneficial for wearable articles. Thesensor device has a programmable and erasable non-volatile memory whichstores an identifier for the sensor device. The programmable anderasable non-volatile memory enables the identifier to be changed andthus provides for greater flexibility in controlling how the sensordevice is addressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a method. The method comprises providing a single-wire sensordevice comprising a sensor module, a programmable and erasablenon-volatile memory, and a single-wire input-output interface. Themethod comprises controlling the single-wire input-output interface toreceive an identifier over a single-wire bidirectional line and writethe identifier to the programmable and erasable non-volatile memory. Themethod comprises controlling the single-wire input-output interface tosend and receive data over the single-wire bidirectional line.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda sensor device. The sensor device comprises a sensor module. The sensordevice comprises an input-output interface arranged to send and receivedata over a bidirectional line. The sensor module comprises a processorand a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions, and wherein theinstructions when executed by the processor cause the processor toperform operations, the operations comprising generating an inferenceusing data sensed by the sensor module. The sensor device is arranged toswitch between sending, over the bidirectional line via the input-outputinterface, data sensed by the sensor module and the inference generatedby the sensor.

Advantageously, the sensor device is able to switch between outputtingan inference and the data sensed by the sensor module. The inference maybe output when data is needed for real-time or near real-time analysis.The data sensed by the sensor module may be output when real-timeanalysis is no longer required. The data sensed by the sensor module maybe useful for offline analysis such as for use in the training ofmachine-learned models.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda single-wire motion sensor. The singe-wire motion sensor devicecomprises a motion sensor module; a power source arranged to supplypower to the sensor device; and a single-wire input-output interfacearranged to send and receive data over a single-wire bidirectional line.The sensor device is arranged to receive power over the single-wireinput-output interface and store the power in the power source.

Advantageously, there is provided a motion sensor which only uses asingle-wire bidirectional line for sending and receiving data and alsofor receiving power. No other communication lines or power lines areprovided for the motion sensor. A ground line may still be provided. Themotion sensor therefore has the minimum possible number of physicalcommunication and power lines which is particularly beneficial forwearable articles. Since a single-wire bidirectional line is used fordata and power, the motion sensor may not be provided with a consistentsupply of power. The power source of the motion sensor is advantageouslyprovided to overcome this issue.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a single-wire electropotential sensor device. The single-wireelectropotential sensor comprises an electropotential sensor module; apower source arranged to supply power to the sensor device; and asingle-wire input-output interface arranged to send and receive dataover a single-wire bidirectional line. The sensor device is arranged toreceive power over the single-wire input-output interface and store thepower in the power source.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a single-wire electroimpedance sensor. The sensor comprises anelectroimpedance sensor module a power source arranged to supply powerto the sensor device; and a single-wire input-output interface arrangedto send and receive data over a single-wire bidirectional line. Thesensor device is arranged to receive power over the single-wireinput-output interface and store the power in the power source.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda single-wire chemical (e.g. biochemical) sensor. The single-wirechemical sensor comprises a chemical sensor module; a power sourcearranged to supply power to the sensor device; and a single-wireinput-output interface arranged to send and receive data over asingle-wire bidirectional line. The sensor device is arranged to receivepower over the single-wire input-output interface and store the power inthe power source.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda single-wire optical sensor. The single-wire optical sensor comprisesan optical sensor module; a power source arranged to supply power to thesensor device; and a single-wire input-output interface arranged to sendand receive data over a single-wire bidirectional line. The sensordevice is arranged to receive power over the single-wire input-outputinterface and store the power in the power source.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a wearable article comprising the sensor device as describedabove in relation to the first, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth,ninth or tenth aspect of the present disclosure.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a system. The system comprises a master device. The systemcomprises a sensor device as described above in relation to the first,third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth aspect of thepresent disclosure. The sensor device and the master device areconnected to one another over a bidirectional line. Data is able to beexchanged between the master device and the sensor device over thebidirectional line.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a wearable article. The wearable article comprises the systemaccording to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure. The masterdevice may be releasably coupled to the wearable article.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a wearable article. The wearable article comprises asingle-wire bidirectional line. The wearable article comprises aplurality of single-wire sensor devices. Each of the sensor devicescomprises a sensor module; and a single-wire input-output interfacearranged to send and receive data over the single-wire bidirectionalline.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a wearable article. The wearable article comprises a masterdevice releasably attached to the wearable article. The wearable articlecomprises a single-wire bidirectional line. The wearable articlecomprises a sensor device. The sensor device comprises a sensor module;and a single-wire input-output interface arranged to send and receivedata over the single-wire bidirectional line. The master device isconnected to the sensor device using the single-wire bidirectional line.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there isprovided a single-wire sensor device comprising: a sensor module; and asingle-wire input-output interface arranged to send and receive dataover a single-wire bidirectional line, wherein the sensor modulecomprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory storesinstructions, and wherein the instructions when executed by theprocessor cause the processor to perform operations, the operationscomprising generating an inference using data sensed by the sensormodule. The single-wire sensor device may be useable in any of theaspects of the present disclosure.

Any one aspect of the present disclosure may comprise the features ofany other aspect of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is not limited to wearable articles. The sensordevices and systems disclosed herein may be incorporated into otherforms of devices such as user electronic devices (e.g. mobile phones).In additions, the sensor devices and system disclosed herein may beincorporated into any form of textile article. Textile articles mayinclude upholstery, such as upholstery that may be positioned on piecesof furniture, vehicle seating, as wall or ceiling decor, among otherexamples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram for an example sensor device accordingto aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram for an example method according to aspectsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram for an example system according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram for another example sensor deviceaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram for another example method according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram for yet another example method according toaspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram for another example system according toaspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of thedisclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

“Wearable article” as referred to throughout the present disclosure mayrefer to any form of electronic device which may be worn by a user suchas a smart watch, necklace, bracelet, or glasses. The wearable articlemay be a textile article. The wearable article may be a garment.

The garment may refer to an item of clothing or apparel. The garment maybe a top. The top may be a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket/coat,or vest. The garment may be a dress, brassiere, shorts, pants, arm orleg sleeve, vest, jacket/coat, glove, armband, underwear, headband,hat/cap, collar, wristband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing,swimwear, wetsuit or drysuit The wearable article/garment may beconstructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The wearablearticle/garment may be constructed from natural fibres, syntheticfibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materialswhich can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cottonmay be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide accordingto the particular application. Silk may also be used as the naturalfibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp and jute are also natural fibres that maybe used in the wearable article/garment. Polyester, polycotton, nylonand viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the wearablearticle/garment. The garment may be a tight-fitting garment.Beneficially, a tight-fitting garment helps ensure that the sensordevices of the garment are held in contact with or in the proximity of askin surface of the wearer. The garment may be a compression garment.The garment may be an athletic garment such as an elastomeric athleticgarment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , there is shown an example sensor device 10according to aspects of the present disclosure. The sensor device 10 maycomprise a number of electronics components 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111provided within a semiconductor package. The electronics componentscomprise a sensor module 101, buffer 103, input-output (I/O) interface105, power source 107, memory 109, and translator 111. The sensor device10 is connected to a bidirectional communication line 11 via theinput-output interface 105. The sensor device 10 is also connected toground 15 via a ground line 13. The components of the sensor device 10ma all be provided on the substrate. Therefore, a single integratecircuit may be provided containing all of the electronic components ofthe sensor device 10. The sensor device 10 may be provided in a singlesemiconductor package.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the I/O interface is a single-wire businterface and the bidirectional communication line 11 is a single-wirebidirectional line. The single-wire bidirectional line may be referredto as a one-wire bus, 1-wire, SDQ™, or a single-wire serial interface.The sensor device 10 may be referred to as a single-wire device. The useof a single-wire bidirectional line means that only one-wire is used tosend and receive data over the sensor device 10. This reduces the numberof physical hardware connections required for data transmission to/fromthe sensor device 10 to the minimum possible number. While there is a1-wire electrical interface to the sensor, the physical cabling runningthrough the garment may be doubled (or tripled etc.) up to improvereliability. That is, many wires in the garment may terminate at thesame 1-wire electrical interface. This is beneficial for military,safety-critical or potential medical applications.

The sensor module 101 is arranged to sense data. The sensed data istemporarily stored in the buffer 103 prior to transmission of the dataover the single-wire bidirectional line 11 connected to the I/Ointerface 105. The use of a buffer 103 is beneficial as the sensordevice 10 is generally only able to transmit data over the single-wirebidirectional line 11 for a limited period of time. This is because thesensor device 10 is unable to transmit data over the single-wirebidirectional line 11 when other devices such as other sensor devices 10or a master device are utilising the single-wire bidirectional line 11for data transmission. The buffer 103 therefore enables the sensordevice 10 to locally store time-series sensor data until a command isreceived from a master device for transmitting data over the I/Ointerface 105.

The sensor device 10 may be supplied with power over the single-wirebidirectional line 11. However, power may only be available during idleperiods of the single-wire bidirectional line 11 when data is not beingtransmitted over the single-wire bidirectional line 11. To ensureconsistent supply of power to the electronics components of the sensordevice 10, the sensor device 10 comprises a power source 107. The powersource 107 supplies power to the electronics components of the sensordevice 10 even when power is not able to be source from the single-wirebidirectional line 11. During idle periods, the power source 107 may becharged over the single-wire bidirectional line 11. In some examples,the power source 107 is a capacitor such as a super capacitor. In someexamples, the power source 107 is a rechargeable battery. Beneficially,the power source 107 enables the sensor device 10 to derive power fromthe single-wire bidirectional line 105, which means that an externalpower supply is not required for the sensor device 10. The absence of anexternal power supply reduces the number of physical connectionsrequired for the sensor device 10 and enables the sensor device 10 to bemore seamless integrated into wearable articles.

The memory 109 of the sensor device 10 is arranged to store anidentifier for the sensor device 10. The identifier may be a serialnumber for the sensor device 10. The identifier for the sensor device 10may act as a device address and may enable the sensor device 10 to beindividually selected from among a plurality of slave devices connectedto the single-wire bidirectional line 11. The identifier may be in aglobal unique address format which may comprise a family code thatidentifies the device type, an individual address, and cyclic redundancycheck (CRC) value.

The CRC value enables the master device to determine if an address wasread without error. Of course, other identifier formats may be used asappropriate by the skilled person in the art.

In some examples, the memory 109 is a non-volatile memory such as aread-only memory (ROM). In these examples, the identifier is written tothe ROM memory 109 during manufacture of the sensor device 10 and is notchangeable thereafter. The memory 109 may be a programmable non-volatilememory such as a programmable ROM (PROM). In these examples, theidentifier may be written to the PROM memory 109 after the manufactureof the sensor device 10. This provides more flexibility in setting theidentifiers for the memory 109. Preferred examples use an erasable andreprogrammable non-volatile memory 109 to allow for the content of thememory 109 to be changed and added to as desired. This allows for theidentifiers to be changed or adapted based on factors such as the typeof master device, and the number and type of slave devices connected tothe single-wire bidirectional line 11. Examples of erasable andreprogrammable non-volatile memory include erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM) and floating-gate memory such as flash memory.

The translator 111 manages the flow of data to and from the sensordevice 10 and controls the interaction between the sensor module 101,memory 109, and buffer 103. The translator 111 may also be known as amemory controller or one-wire port.

Referring to FIG. 2 , there is shown a flow diagram for an examplemethod according to aspects of the present disclosure performed usingthe sensor device 10 of FIG. 1 . Step S101 of the method comprises thesensor module 101 sensing data. In step S102, the sensed data is storedin the buffer 103. Steps S101 and S102 may be repeated for a pluralityof iterations such that data representing a plurality of different timeinstances are written to the buffer 103. In other words, time seriessensor data is stored in the buffer 103. In step S103, the data is readfrom the buffer 103 and transmitted over the single-wire bidirectionalline 11 via the I/O interface 105. The data may be transmitted from thebuffer 103 in response to receiving a command from a master deviceconnected to the sensor device 10 over the single-wire bidirectionalline 11. The sensor module 101 may continue to sense data and write thedata to the buffer 103 as data is being read from the buffer 103.Beneficially, this method allows for a single-wire bidirectional line 11to be used to transmit and receive data from the sensor device 10without any loss of sensor data during time periods where thesingle-wire bidirectional line 11 is occupied and not able to be used totransmit data by the sensor module 10.

Referring to FIG. 3 , there is shown a schematic diagram of an examplesystem 1 comprising a master device 20 connected to a plurality of slavedevices 10 using a single-wire bidirectional line 11. The plurality ofslave devices 10 are sensor devices 10 as per the example sensor device10 shown in FIG. 1 . Each of the sensor devices 10 may comprise the sametype of sensor module 101 or may comprise different types of sensormodule 101 for sensing different types of data. Additional slave deviceshaving different configurations to the sensor device 10 of FIG. 1 mayalso be connected to the single-wire bidirectional line 11. Theplurality of sensor devices 10 and the master device 20 also have aground line 13 for connecting the sensor devices 10 and master device 20to ground 15. No other wired connections between the master device 20and the sensor devices 10 are provided.

The master device 20 initiates the sensor devices 10 and controls thetransmission of data over the single-wire bidirectional line 11. Themaster device 20 is arranged to transmit data to the sensor devices 10and receive data from the sensor devices 10 over the single-wirebidirectional line 11. Power may also be transferred to the sensordevices 10 over the single-wire bidirectional line 11.

In an example operation, the master device 20 first transmits a “reset”command to the sensor devices 10 which synchronises all of the devicesconnected to the single-wire bidirectional line 11. The master device 20then transmits a selection command comprising an identifier for one ofthe sensor devices 10 to the sensor devices 10 over the single-wirebidirectional line 11. The sensor device 10 with the correspondingidentifier stored in the memory of the sensor device 10 is selectedwhile the other sensor devices 10 configure themselves to ignoresubsequent communications over the single-wire bidirectional line 11until the next “reset” command is transmitted by the master device 20over the single-wire bidirectional line 11.

Once the master device 20 has selected a particular sensor device 10,the master device 20 is able to transmit commands to the sensor device10 as well as data to the sensor device 10. The master device 20 is alsoable to read data from the sensor device 10. The master device 20 mayread data from the buffer of the sensor device 10. This enables themaster device 20 to read time-series data from the buffer of the sensordevice 10. The master device 20 may write data to the memory of thesensor device 10. The data written to the memory of the sensor device 10may be a new or updated identifier for the sensor device 10. The masterdevice 20 may transmit a command to the sensor device 10. The commandmay be for changing the type of data sensed by the sensor device 10 orthe type of data output by the sensor device 10 over the single-wirebidirectional line 11.

In some situations, it may be desirable to provide data to the masterdevice 20 in real-time or near real time. The master device 20 is ableto transmit a request for recent data sensed by the sensor device 10,and the sensor device 10 transmits the recent data as a result.Meanwhile, the sensor device 10 may still retain data locally on thebuffer. Once the master device 20 no longer requires real-time ornear-real time data, the master device 20 may read out the original highresolution time-series sensor data from the buffer of the sensor device10. This approach enables the master device 20 to obtain low-resolutiondata or data at a low sampling rate for real-time processing operationswhile still maintaining the original high-resolution/high sampling ratedata for later retrieval and analysis.

The master device 20 may be a removable electronic module for thewearable article. The electronic module may be configured to bereleasably mechanically coupled to the wearable article. The mechanicalcoupling of the electronic module to the wearable article may beprovided by a mechanical interface such as a clip, a plug and socketarrangement, etc. The mechanical coupling or mechanical interface may beconfigured to maintain the electronic module in a particular orientationwith respect to the garment when the electronic module is coupled to thewearable article. This may be beneficial in ensuring that the electronicmodule is securely held in place with respect to the garment and/or thatany electronic coupling of the electronic module and the wearablearticle (or a component of the garment) can be optimized. The mechanicalcoupling may be maintained using friction or using a positively engagingmechanism, for example.

Beneficially, the removable electronic module may contain all of thecomponents required for data transmission and processing such that thewearable article only comprises the sensor devices and the bidirectionalline. In this way, manufacture of the wearable article may besimplified. In addition, it may be easier to clean a wearable articlewhich has fewer electronic components attached thereto or incorporatedtherein. Furthermore, the removable electronic module may be easier tomaintain and/or troubleshoot than embedded electronics. The electronicmodule may comprise flexible electronics such as a flexible printedcircuit (FPC). The electronic module may be configured to beelectrically coupled to the wearable article.

It may be desirable to avoid direct contact of the electronic modulewith the wearer's skin while the wearable article is being worn. Inparticular, it may be desirable to avoid the electronic module cominginto contact with sweat or moisture on the wearer's skin. The electronicmodule may be provided with a waterproof coating or waterproof casing.For example, the electronic module may be provided with a siliconecasing. It may further be desirable to provide a pouch or pocket in thegarment to contain the electronic module in order to prevent chafing orrubbing and thereby improve comfort for the wearer. The pouch or pocketmay be provided with a waterproof lining in order to prevent theelectronic module from coming into contact with moisture.

The master device 20 may comprise a power source. The power source maycomprise a plurality of power sources. The power source may be abattery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be arechargeable battery adapted to be charged wirelessly such as byinductive charging. The power source may comprise an energy harvestingdevice. The energy harvesting device may be configured to generateelectric power signals in response to kinetic events such as kineticevents performed by a wearer of the wearable article. The kinetic eventcould include walking, running, exercising or respiration of the wearer.The energy harvesting material may comprise a piezoelectric materialwhich generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of theconverter. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from bodyheat of a wearer of the wearable article. The energy harvesting devicemay be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The power source maybe a super capacitor, or an energy cell.

The master device 20 may comprise a communicator. The communicator maybe a mobile/cellular communicator operable to communicate the datawirelessly via one or more base stations. The communicator may providewireless communication capabilities for the garment and enables thegarment to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocolssuch as used for communication on: a wireless wide area network (WWAN),a wireless metroarea network (WMAN), a wireless local area network(WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a near fieldcommunication (NFC), and a cellular communication network. The cellularcommunication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced(LTE-A), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any otherpresent or future developed cellular wireless network. A firstcommunicator of the master device 20 may be provided for cellularcommunication and a separate communicator may be provided forshort-range local communication over WLAN, WPAN, NFC, or Bluetooth®,WiFi or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol.

The master device 20 may comprise a Universal Integrated Circuit Card(UICC) that enables the wearable article to access services provided bya mobile network operator (MNO). The UICC may include at least aread-only memory (ROM) configured to store an MNO profile that thewearable article can utilize to register and interact with an MNO. TheUICC may be in the form of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. Thewearable article may have a receiving section arranged to receive theSIM card. In other examples, the UICC is embedded directly into acontroller of the wearable article. That is, the UICC may be anelectronic/embedded UICC (eUICC). A eUICC is beneficial as it removesthe need to store a number of MNO profiles, i.e. electronic SubscriberIdentity Modules (eSIMs). Moreover, eSIMs can be remotely provisioned togarments. The wearable article may comprise a secure element thatrepresents an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC).

The bidirectional line may be formed from a conductive thread or wire.The conductor may be incorporated into the wearable article. Theconductor may be an electrically conductive track or film. The conductormay be a conductive transfer. The conductor may be formed from a fibreor yarn of the textile. This may mean that an electrically conductivematerials are incorporated into the fibre/yarn.

Referring to FIG. 4 , there is shown another example sensor device 10according to aspects of the present disclosure. The sensor device 10 hasa similar structure to the sensor device 10 of FIG. 1 , and likereference numerals are used to indicate like components. In the exampleof FIG. 4 , the sensor module 101 comprises a processor 113 and a memory115. The memory 115 stores instructions and data. The instructions whenexecuted by the processor 113 cause the processor 113 to performoperations.

These operations comprise the processor 113 generating a compressedrepresentation of data sensed by the sensor module 101. The compressedrepresentation of the data may be transmitted to a master device overthe single-wire bidirectional line 11 using the I/O interface 105. Inthese implementations, when the master device 20 requests data over thesingle-wire bidirectional line 11, the sensor device 10 transmits acompressed representation of recent data sensed by the sensor module101. Meanwhile, the data sensed by the sensor module 101 may be storedin the buffer 103. In this way, the master device 20 obtains a currentrepresentation of the data sensed by the sensor module 101 but theoriginal time-series data sensed by the sensor module 101 is preservedin the buffer 103. Beneficially, transmitting a compressedrepresentation of recent data sensed by the sensor module 101 enablesthe fast transmission of data to the master device 20 for real-time ornear real-time applications, while retaining the original sensed datafor later analysis. The compressed representation of the data may bedetermined from data sensed by the sensor module 101 over a defined timewindow. The length of the time window may be selected as appropriate bythe person skilled in the art. In some examples, the length of thewindow is between 1 and 255 samples.

The compressed representation of the data may be an inference generatedfrom data sensed by the sensor module 101. The inference generated byemploying a machine-learned model stored on the memory 115 of the sensormodule 101. The generated inference may be transmitted to a masterdevice over the single-wire bidirectional line 11 using the I/Ointerface 105. The data sensed by the sensor module 101 may be stored onthe buffer 103. Beneficially, this arrangement enables the master device20 to obtain an inference for real-time or near-real time analysis,while retaining the original sensed data in the buffer for laterretrieval and analysis. In examples where the sensor module comprises amotion sensor, the inference may relate to activity recognition, fitnessactivity recognition, motion intensity detection, or vibration intensitydetection amongst others. The inference may be generated from datasensed by other sensors external to the sensor device 10.

The machine-learned model may be or otherwise include variousmachine-learned models such as decision trees, artificial neuralnetworks (e.g. deep neural networks) or other types of machine-learnedmodels, including non-linear models and/or linear models. Neuralnetworks can include feed-forward neural networks, recurrent neuralnetworks (e.g. long short-term memory recurrent neural networks),convolutional neural networks or other forms of neural networks. Otherexamples of machine-learned models include Bayesian networks and NaïveBayes networks. Other example machine-learned models/algorithms that maybe used within the scope of the present disclosure include supportvector machine techniques, Gaussian mixture models, hidden Markovmodels, and genetic algorithms. Of course, other machine learningtechniques as known to the skilled person may be used in the context ofthe present disclosure.

The processor 113 may comprise a signal processing module arranged topre-process the data sensed by the sensor module 101 prior to generatingthe inference. Data sensed by sensor modules 101 are typically affectedby noise and changes in physical conditions. This can be a particularproblem for wearable articles due to factors such as reduced size,battery life, hardware considerations, and poor skin contact. Theconfiguration of the sensor modules 101, differences in timingmeasurements, and the technical limitations of the sensor modules 101can introduce noise and errors into the obtained data. The signalprocessing module pre-processes the data so as to reduce nose, errors,optionally normalize the data, and generally prepare the data for thefeature extraction process. The use of specific pre-processingtechniques greatly depends on the domain and the scenario. Exampletechniques include normalization, smoothing, interpolation, orsegmentation or a combination thereof.

The processor 113 may comprise a feature extraction module. The featureextraction module may extract a feature set from the processed data.This process may be considered as an extraction and selection processwhereby a plurality of features are extracted from the processed dataand the most significant of these features are then selected to form theextracted feature set. Feature extraction is aimed at reducing thenoise, redundancy, and dimensionality of the processed data so that onlysignificant information remains. This means that the employedmachine-learned model uses only the most significant information fromthe data. With feature extraction, data can be compared to others in thetime, frequency, and other domains defined by the extracted features.The feature extraction module may use a domain-driven approach toextract features from the processed data. Additionally or separately,the feature extraction module may use an automatic driven approach toextract features from the processed data. Example features include themean, variance, energy, peak-to-peak, zero-crossing, positivezero-crossing, negative zero-crossing, peaks, positive peaks, negativepeaks, minimums and maximums.

Not all of the features extracted by the feature extraction module maybe relevant or useful for the machine-learned model. Some of theextracted features may even be redundant or misleading. Further, thenumber of extracted features generally determines the computational costof the machine-learning process. To this end, once the features havebeen extracted by the feature extraction module, the feature extractionmodule may perform a feature selection process to reduce the size of thefeature set used in the subsequent recognition operation. Featureselection approaches generally iterate through the extracted features toobtain the best set of extracted features to represent the data. Thefeature extraction module may use a principal component analysis (PCA)based procedure to reduce the dimensionality of the extracted featureset. The feature extraction module may use a linear discriminantanalysis (LDA) based procedure to reduce the dimensionality of theextracted feature set. The feature extraction module is not limited tothe use of PDA or LDA to reduce the dimensionality of the extractedfeature set. Other selection techniques as known by the skilled personsuch as mutual information, correlation and fast correlation may be usedas appropriate.

In some examples, the sensor device 10 may receive updatedmachine-learned model data over the single-wire bidirectional line 11.The updated machine-learned model data may be used to update themachine-learned model stored on the memory 115 or replace themachine-learned model stored on the memory. The updated machine-learnedmodel data may be transmitted by a master device.

Referring to FIG. 5 , there is shown a flow diagram for an examplemethod according to aspects of the present disclosure. Step S201 of themethod comprises providing a single-wire sensor device comprising asensor module, a programmable and erasable non-volatile memory, and asingle-wire input-output interface. Step S202 of the method comprisescontrolling the single-wire input-output interface to receive anidentifier over a single-wire bidirectional line and write theidentifier to the programmable and erasable non-volatile memory. StepS203 of the method comprises controlling the single-wire input-outputinterface to send and receive data over the single-wire bidirectionalline.

Referring to FIG. 6 , there is shown a flow diagram for an examplemethod according to aspects of the present disclosure. Step S301 of themethod comprises providing a sensor device. Step S302 of the methodcomprises generating an inference using data sensed by a sensor moduleof the sensor device. Step S303 of the method comprises controlling thesensor device to switch between sensing data sensed by the sensor moduleand the inference generated by the sensor over a bidirectional line viathe input-output interface.

Referring to FIG. 7 , there is shown an example system according toaspects of the present disclosure. The system comprises a plurality ofwearable articles 30 worn by a user. The plurality of wearable articles30 are garments and in particular a top, bottoms, headwear and footwear.The plurality of wearable articles 30 comprise the system of FIG. 3 .That is, the wearable articles 30 comprise a master device and aplurality of sensor devices connected together and communicating over asingle-wire bidirectional line. The master device comprises acommunicator and is arranged to transmit data to a user electronicdevice 40 over a short-range wireless communication protocol. Inaddition, the communicator is arranged to transmit data to the server 50over a cellular communication protocol represented by base station 60.The user electronic device 40 and server 50 are also able tocommunication over a wireless or wired communication network.

At least some of the example embodiments described herein may beconstructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purposehardware. Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein mayinclude, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry inthe form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable GateArray (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), whichperforms certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In someembodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on atangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configuredto execute on one or more processors. These functional elements may insome embodiments include, by way of example, components, such assoftware components, object-oriented software components, classcomponents and task components, processes, functions, attributes,procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware,microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays,and variables. Although the example embodiments have been described withreference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, suchfunctional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separatedinto additional elements. Various combinations of optional features havebeen described herein, and it will be appreciated that describedfeatures may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, thefeatures of any one example embodiment may be combined with features ofany other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations aremutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term “comprising”or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to theexclusion of the presence of others.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1. A wearable article comprising a sensor device, the sensor devicecomprising: a sensor module; a buffer arranged to store time-seriessensor data sensed by the sensor module; and an input-output interfacearranged to send and receive data over a bidirectional line.
 2. Thewearable article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input-outputinterface is arranged to send the time-series sensor data over thebidirectional line.
 3. The wearable article as claimed in claim 1,wherein the input-output interface is a single-wire input-outputinterface.
 4. The wearable article as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesensor device is arranged to receive power via the input-outputinterface.
 5. The wearable article as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a power source arranged to supply power to the sensor device.6. The wearable article as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sensor deviceis arranged to receive power over the input-output interface and storethe power in the power source.
 7. The wearable article as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the power source comprises a capacitor, optionally asupercapacitor.
 8. The wearable article as claimed in claim 5, whereinthe power source comprises a rechargeable battery.
 9. The wearablearticle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a non-volatile memoryarranged to store an identifier for the sensor device.
 10. The wearablearticle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the memory is a programmablenon-volatile memory.
 11. The wearable article as claimed in claim 10,wherein the memory is an erasable and reprogrammable non-volatilememory.
 12. The wearable article as claimed in claim 11, wherein theinput-output interface is arranged to receive an identifier over thebidirectional line and write the identifier to the erasable andprogrammable memory.
 13. The wearable article as claimed in claim 9,wherein the input-output interface is arranged to receive an identifierover the bidirectional line, and wherein the sensor device is arrangedto compare the received identifier to an identifier stored in thenon-volatile memory.
 14. The wearable article as claimed in claim 1,wherein the sensor module comprises a processor and a memory, whereinthe memory stores instructions, and wherein the instructions whenexecuted by the processor cause the processor to perform operations, theoperations comprising generating a compressed representation of datasensed by the sensor module.
 15. The wearable article as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the compressed representation comprises an inferencegenerated from data sensed by the sensor module.
 16. The wearablearticle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the processor generates theinference by employing a machine-learned model stored on the memory ofthe sensor module.
 17. The wearable article as claimed in claim 14,wherein the input-output interface is arranged to send the compressedrepresentation of the data sensed by the sensor module over thebidirectional line.
 18. The wearable article as claimed in claim 14,wherein the sensor device is arranged to switch between sending, overthe bidirectional line, the time series data sensed by the sensor moduleand the compressed representation of data sensed by the sensor.
 19. Thewearable article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor modulecomprises one or more biosensor modules.
 20. The wearable article asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a master device; and wherein thesensor device comprises a plurality of sensor devices, wherein theplurality of sensor devices and the master device are connected to oneanother over a bidirectional line, and wherein data is able to beexchanged between the master device and the plurality of sensor devicesover the bidirectional line.
 21. (canceled)